Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that brings together crunch, sweetness, and a refreshing burst of peppermint, you’ve got to try this Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of buttery toffee, rich chocolate layers, and crisp Ritz crackers topped with crushed candy canes to give that signature holiday feel. This recipe is straightforward, yields a crowd-pleasing 48 servings, and offers a gorgeously layered indulgence that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Once you get a taste, these Peppermint Bark Crackers will become a beloved staple at your holiday gatherings, gifting, or those cozy winter nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and delightful with ingredients that each play a crucial role in the magic of this recipe. From the flaky crackers that form the sturdy base, to the smooth layers of chocolate and festive peppermint touches, every component is essential to achieve that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

• 54 Ritz crackers (snowflake kind for Christmas): These buttery, flaky crackers provide the perfect crispy base and add a festive touch with their snowflake shape.
• 1 cup salted butter: Melts down into the toffee base adding richness and a lovely savory note that balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Gives the toffee a deep, caramel flavor with its natural molasses.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm sweetness that complements the toffee and chocolate.
• 16 oz. chopped dark chocolate (60%, Ghirardelli recommended): Adds a smooth, slightly bitter chocolate layer that pairs beautifully with the sweet toffee.
• 16 oz. chopped high quality white chocolate (Lindt recommended): Provides a creamy, sweet contrast layer to the dark chocolate beneath.
• 1/2-1 tsp peppermint extract: Infuses a cool, festive peppermint flavor throughout the white chocolate layer.
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes: Sprinkled on top for that classic holiday crunch and pretty red-and-white color burst.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by lining a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with a silicone mat or foil. If you’re opting for foil, be sure to spray it with some non-stick spray so the toffee doesn’t cling. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this temperature will help perfectly set our toffee and melt the chocolate just right.

Step 2: Arrange the Crackers

Next, lay your Ritz crackers out in neat rows covering the entire base of the pan. The beautiful snowflake shape creates an extra festive vibe and ensures plenty of crunchy bites to come. This simple foundation means every piece you break off will have that signature crispness.

Step 3: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring this to a simmer, and then let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering creates that gorgeous toffee flavor you want, thick and luscious, ready to coat the crackers with golden sweetness.

Step 4: Pour and Bake Toffee on Crackers

Carefully drizzle the hot toffee sauce over your arranged crackers, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. This ensures each cracker gets a lovely coating. Pop the pan into the oven for about 5 minutes to allow the toffee to set up nicely — this is the base of your crunchy, buttery goodness coming to life.

Step 5: Add and Melt the Dark Chocolate

Once the toffee has set, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, letting the chocolate melt to a silky, spreadable layer that perfectly marries with that buttery toffee beneath.

Step 6: Spread the Dark Chocolate and Chill

Use your offset spatula to spread the melted dark chocolate evenly across the entire cracker and toffee surface. Then, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chill time helps the dark chocolate and toffee layers harden into a satisfying, snappable texture.

Step 7: Melt White Chocolate and Add Peppermint Extract

While the dark chocolate chills, melt your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and creamy. Stir the peppermint extract right into the melted white chocolate — this is where the Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe truly shines, bringing that unmistakable holiday freshness.

Step 8: Spread White Chocolate and Add Candy Cane Topping

Pour the peppermint-infused white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer and use the spatula to spread quickly but evenly. Right away, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top while the white chocolate is still soft, so they stick beautifully and add a delightful crunch and festive flair.

Step 9: Final Chill and Serve

Return your creation to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or until the white chocolate layer hardens. Then, break the peppermint bark into bite-sized pieces and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful holiday treat!

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to add a few extra crushed candy canes on top just before serving to keep the colors bright and the texture fresh. A light dusting of edible glitter or a sprinkle of mini peppermint chips can elevate the presentation while adding an extra festive sparkle.

Side Dishes

These crackers pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa, spiced tea, or even a chilled glass of milk to balance out the rich chocolate and buttery toffee. Think of them as the perfect sweet snack to accompany your holiday movie marathon or cozy fireside chats.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider breaking the bark into various sizes and placing them on a decorative holiday platter with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for a festive display. Wrapping individual pieces in clear cellophane with a red ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that spread holiday cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your peppermint bark crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week, making them a lovely treat to enjoy well after the initial baking day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this treat ahead of time, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just thaw in the fridge before serving to keep those layers firm and delicious.

Reheating

Since this is a cold-set confection, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended as it can cause the chocolate to melt and lose its crisp snap. Just enjoy it chilled right from the fridge for the perfect texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of the snowflake shape?

Absolutely! The snowflake shape is festive and fun, but regular Ritz crackers work just as well for the texture and flavor in this recipe.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use something else?

Peppermint extract really gives that signature flavor, but you can substitute with a few drops of vanilla or almond extract for a different twist, though it won’t be quite as minty.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

You can swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter chocolate flavor. Keep in mind it may be a bit less intense but still delicious!

How do I crush candy canes if I don’t have a mortar and pestle?

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Just be careful not to pulverize them too fine—some crunch is great!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as is. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free cracker that has a similar buttery crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Crackers Recipe is truly a holiday game-changer with its perfect layers of crunch, sweet toffee, rich chocolates, and lively peppermint goodness. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to become a festive favorite in your household. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your guests with smiles. Let the holiday snacking begin!

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